And then Parigi

The end of my semester in Florence was madness and suddenly I find myself in Paris.   And I still LOVE Paris!  It was my ART tour as on previous visits the weather was too spectacular to go inside.  The D'Orsay was fantastic.  The Louvre - crazy.  Saw some incredible art (yes, including the Mona Lisa) but was saturated after only 3 hours.  I'm so happy I got to see some of it.  Wandered, ate, photographed and just took it all in.  It's a magical city. 

An Amazing Experience

        

Naturally I'd rather use photos to describe my last two weeks in Italy.  Photos of the final art Exhibition (& Paris etc)  can be found on my picasa album. http://picasaweb.google.com/gypsylindajean

There was so much to finish for school projects, so many things to do and see before leaving and packing up at the same time.  Oh- had my hair cut & 'done' by Luca at the salon around the corner!  That was worth it for the experience too.   Had to say good-bye to some friends as the days flew by.   Went out to dinner at a couple of favourite restaurants,  Italian exams, Fashion Show by the fashion program on the 12th,  starred in an Italian art video (ok, my hands, feet & voice were extras),  pancake brunch with Experimental Photo class at Susanna's,...began to panic. 

Next thing I knew I was on a plane to Paris.  

Il Campanile: hearing loss

Happy Immaculate Conception. 

OK so...Monday was a crisp (3C) clear day finally.  The Duomo was closed due to the holiday in celebration of the Immaculate Conception.  However, the Campanile/Bell Tower was open and there was no line to speak of.  AND it is 50 steps less than the Duomo; only 414.  :-)  It was FANTASTICO.   Admittedly I did think I was at the top (a few times) until I noticed folks disappearing into a tiny dark corner staircase.  These steps were narrow and dark and a bit challenging to maneuver with a gang of people.   

The photo of me is not at the top but one of the levels on the way up.  One level - THE BELLS - was quite something: the views go without saying.  Then I lucked out (?!!) on being there right at noon.  I may have permanent hearing damage but it was worth it!!!  The bells tolled... and yes the giant bells (not sure how many) chimed for mid-day.  Just when the 20+ folks on that level took their fingers out of their ears  a new tune started.  Amazing. 

I made it to the top and, in total, took 158 photos and two cell phone videos.  Only a little late for drawing class!

www.wikipedia.org/belltower

Landfall! St. Lucia

Photo  by Tim wright
Sundowner made landfall in Rodney Bay Marina, St. Lucia today after 15 days 2hrs 28min 3sec at sea!  They arrived 3rd, despite their 30 hour late start.  Haven't had much information on the trip other than they had some windless days near the end that used up plenty of fuel.   Awaiting a full report.  Info on worldcruising.com  and photos on www.photoaction.com.  (click for links)

'Atta boys!!!

Tijuana & Christmas Lights

   

The Christmas lights are finally being lit!  It's beautiful. The Duomo at night - with  the lovely light pollution in the sky. :-)  Makes for a nice photo.  

Drink from Tijuana!!!!  We went out for Mexican food on Thurday night. It was wonderful.  Funny how a little change is always good - the spicy food was a pleasant alternative to Italian.  IT was a dry warm refuge from the RAIN as well.  

Black Panthers & Solar Plates

Life is a funny thing.  One never knows what a day will offer.  Today - Dec 2! (how is this possible?) our Experimental Photo class had a surprise visit from David Hilliard, one-time leader and co-founder of the Black Panther Party.  I bought him an acqua fizzante!  He knows our Professor from 'back in the day' in California.  She used to photograph members.  

http://www.blackpanthertours.com  

It was a very informative slide presentation and discussion.  Most people don't know much beyond the images of the berets and guns.  They were much more - providing food, clothing and education for their communities.   

Then later we had a demonstration by Dan Welden who invented the Solar Plate printmaking technique.  Sounds like just the thing for a sailboat in the Caribbean!  

After all that I was too tired to go to Beatles night at BeBop.  Maybe next week!